Route To Success

Studying in Australia can be a life-changing experience and with a student visa you will be entitled to earn money part-time too

With all of the recent changes to the General Skilled Migration program in Australia in recent months, the notion of studying or training in Australia has intensified.

According to the latest figures, more than 2,800 people from the UK have chosen to go back to college or university in Australia this year. This is almost 20 per cent up on 2007 figures.

More than half of the new students were mature students enrolling in postgraduate courses at universities or trade training programs in the vocational education sector.

Studying and improving your opportunities for a resurgent labour market is one well tested solution to beating the recession, whether it is in Australia or anywhere else.

There is a lot to be said for obtaining Australian qualifications. The education system is very highly developed and compares very favourably with the UK.

Australian qualification holders are in demand all over the world. So when the tide does turn, your employability prospects will be greatly improved. The cachet of an international qualification not only impresses employers but is definitive proof that you are capable of succeeding outside your home environment.

It is really important to stress, though, that an Australian degree or trade certificate does not bring with it any guarantee of permanent residency. Much will depend on the state of play of the local and finish your study or training. In the makes studying last few weeks, several government outside a breeze sponsored reviews into aspects of international education provision in Australia sought to decouple the perception that studying in Australia will automatically lead to permanent residency.

The Department of Immigration and Citzenship’s (DIAC) website is explicit. It said: “Students should not make educational choices solely on the basis of hoping to achieve a particular migration outcome, as the GSM program will continue to change and adapt to Australia’s economic needs.”

The global financial crisis provoked some of the major changes to the migration rules earlier in the year, including the introduction of the Critical Skills List in March and the ministerial directive in September to prioritise certain GSM applications.

The fact that the economic indicators in Australia are all heading north again and the spectre of high unemployment has receded, does not mean that current policies will be revisited any time soon. It is important, therefore, that you choose a course in which you have a genuine interest and that will help to advance your career.

VISA RULES

On a student visa you will have an opportunity to live and study in Australia for the duration of your course. Under current regulations you may also be eligible, if your study program is for two years or longer, to apply for a Graduate Visa that will enable you to work fulltime in your chosen profession.

You may be in a position then to consider an application for permanent residency but that will depend on the migration rules in place at the time of your application. Nobody can predict what they might look like in six months time never mind three years.

As a student you will be able to work for 20 hours a week while your course is in session and full time during the vacation. Your partner will be able to work part time for the duration.

Earnings will vary, naturally, but you should be able to make a big dent in your living expenses. You will also get to know the country and the people an awful lot better. So should you decide to apply for permanent residency, and meet the criteria at the time of application, you have up-to-date qualifications and experience. You might even have got to know some employers interested in sponsoring you.

STUDENT VISA: THE LOWDOWN

Student Visa Cost: £315

Validity: Duration of your course

Conditions: You will be able to work up to 20 hours a week while your course is in session. During your vacations, you can work fulltime. You are entitled to multiple entry to Australia for the duration of the visa.

As with any strategy there are a lot of considerations you will have to take into account. It is important, therefore, that you get the best possible advice before making any commitment.

Study programs in Australia can be expensive – all the more so given the current exchange rate. Typically, you will need to allow upwards of £8,500 for annual tuition fees and a further £10,000 (for an individual) to cover modest living costs. This can be off set by earnings in Australia – how much will depend on you and the availability of casual and seasonal work, wherever you choose to locate. It is a big investment and is not for the faint hearted, however, it is one that has paid off for many thousands over the years.

There are certainly a lot of choices and a huge array courses, from trade qualifications to postgraduate degrees, available in private and public institutions in every state of Australia. You can start by having a look at the Australian government website at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.

If you need help in making a decision and working through the complexities, there are a number of specialist agencies in the UK and Ireland who can help you with your decision making and steer you in the right direction.

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Organisations, like Study Options in London, work with a number of Australian colleges and universities and provide free advice and support to prospective students about their educational objectives. It is also important, though, that you spend time with a registered Australian migration agent about your circumstances. They will be on top of the current legislation and in a position to provide you with frank, accurate and honest advice about your longer term prospects.

Unlike GSM visas, student visas are processed very quickly if you are a current British or Irish passport holder. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you can expect to get your visa within 10 days of lodging a valid application. The process is straight forward. You will need to:

Apply for your chosen course directly or via an accredited agent. Most agents will not charge you a fee for this service.

Once you have been off ered a place you will normally be expected to pay the first semester fees. This is typically 50 per cent of the annual fee.

On receipt of your fees you will receive a ‘Confirmation of Enrolment’. This is the document you will need to provide to the Australian High Commission to prove that you have been accepted as a genuine student and will trigger the visa process.

Complete the student visa application online or in person and submit it with your visa fee.

Once you have your visa you can make your plans to travel. You should arrive in the country at least two weeks before your course starts to acclimatise. You will need the time to get your bearings.

For those people starting in February it can be a big shock to move from a cold winter to an Australian summer. If study in Australia is a possibility, you will find that it is a hugely transformative experience. Just ask anybody who has done it.

Smart State

Three things come up time and again when speaking to students from the UK who have chosen to live and study in Queensland: the amazing climate, the beautiful beaches and the laid-back, outdoor lifestyle.

And it’s all true. Queensland offers more days of sunshine than almost anywhere else in the world, encouraging people to spend more time outside enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle.

Is this why the people who live in Queensland have such a sunny and relaxed disposition? Maybe it’s the fact that Queensland is also home to the stunning Great Barrier Reef, with tropical islands galore and some of the oldest and most breathtaking rainforests on the planet.

Life here is fun and easy-going, but there is also a serious and ambitious side. Queensland is known as Australia’s ‘Smart State’ known for its innovation and boasts a fast-growing economy. It also off ers quality education and training with excellent support services to give international students the best opportunity to succeed in their studies, as Hannah Smith discovered after arriving from Yorkshire.

“Studying here has been a great experience,” Hannah says. “I have been given some fantastic opportunities and the people here seem more willing to help each other out and share knowledge and resources. “The lifestyle is relaxing and everyone is really friendly. And I love the different culture here.

“Australia is such a multicultural country. It’s a real melting pot of people and they all come together really wonderfully, and everyone is accepted for who they are. There really is something for everyone.

“The country itself also has so much to offer – and there’s a lot more to it than just the cities. The regional areas are incredibly different and diverse.”

Hannah Smith, 28, from Yorkshire, is studying at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton

“I came out to Australia as part of a volunteer program, helping students with literacy. The school I was based at offered me a job. So I decided to study to be a primary school teacher. It’s been a fantastic experience. I like the pace of life here, the great weather and the outdoor lifestyle!

“I liked the flexibility that I had in my degree programme and was able to pick and choose my subjects.”

Queensland is certainly diverse. It is the only place in the world where students have the opportunity to collect research specimens from ancient tropical rainforests, trace the tracks of dinosaurs in the outback, participate in cutting-edge medical research or dive on the Great Barrier Reef as part of their studies. The education and training programs off ered in Queensland are world-recognised and varied – just like the geography.

You can choose to study in bustling metropolitan areas, cruisy country towns, or stunning beachside locations. With such rich and diverse offerings available across the state, it may be more diffi cult to pick where in Queensland you want to study rather than what you want to study.

Here you’ll find a selection of what you can expect from the unique regions of Queensland, from the bright lights of Brisbane and the glittering Gold Coast, to the lush Tropical North and stunning Sunshine Coast, and out to the West and Central districts.

Explore and enjoy!

Brisbane’s vibrant, innovative edge

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and has one of the fastest growing economies in Australia. It is a city for the senses, blessed with a melting pot of cultures, cuisines and creativity. Known as Australia’s ‘New World’ city, Brisbane is a cultural hub of inspiration and invention that provides students with world-class research facilities and forward-thinking educational providers, all in a subtropical climate that promotes an outdoor lifestyle for those who live there. ‘Brissy’ as it is sometimes affectionately known, is the third largest city in Australia and offers all the benefits of a bustling metropolis, yet it is considerably more relaxed that its southern counterparts, Sydney and Melbourne.

That could be due to the wonderfully warm climate, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C and maximum of 21°C in winter to a minimum 20°C and maximum of 30°C in summer. With these temperature, it’s no wonder that this city is so laid-back and famous for its love aff air with the great outdoors.

But don’t be fooled into mistaking easy-going with sleepy. Brisbane is a modern city with an innovative and vibrant edge. Locals are friendly and down-to-earth with a free-spirited outlook and a determination to do things just that little bit differently – and of course, to do them well!

Camilla Lee, from Scotland, is studying at the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane

“UQ had the perfect combination of location, facilities and reputation, which is why I chose to study there.

“I enjoyed picking and choosing my subjects. I liked the modular assessment mode too, where grades are accumulated throughout the duration of my degree. The knowledge and skills I’ve learnt will stay with me for life.”

Brisbane is a major business hub in Australia with many national companies and numerous international organisations, headquartered here.

FOOD, FOOTY AND FUN

While many locals work hard, they also know how to play hard.

Brisbane is host to major international sporting events, particularly for football, rugby, cricket, golf and tennis, and there is plenty to entertain culture vultures too. It is home to Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art, and boasts the latest and greatest offerings in theatre, fashion and entertainment.

And then there’s the food – you’ll find a first-class fusion of exotic tastes from around the world here, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local produce.

The centre of the city is built around a beautiful meandering river, but you don’t need to stray far to discover that Brisbane is a diverse city made up of buzzing urban villages, each with its own personality and experiences, from Australia’s premier live music precinct, ‘The Valley’ (Fortitude Valley), to the cool and eclectic community of West End. And, although each urban village is distinctive, all are filled with cafés, restaurants, unique shops and smiling locals enjoying the Brisbane sunshine.

If you need a break from the big city lights, you can venture to an island beach or lush rainforest less than an hour from the city. There are a number of islands just off the coast, including the magical Moreton Island and stunning Stradbroke Islands, or head west and discover the region’s Scenic Rim, home to ancient waterfalls and pristine rainforests.

Mike Wilby, 44, is studying for a diploma in Brisbane

“Studying here is good. As part of my Diploma in Paramedical Science, I have a placement at the Royal Brisbane Hospital which would have to be one of the best trauma centres in the southern hemisphere, so it’s very worthwhile.

“The teachers here have a genuine interest in making sure everyone gets what they want from the program.”

DID YOU KNOW…?

Moreton Island is a short boat trip from Brisbane and one of only a handful of places in the world where you can hand-feed bottlenose dolphins in the wild. This idyllic escape is only 40 kilometres from the centre of Brisbane, hard to believe, but true. Here, you can get up close and personal with these graceful aquatic creatures in a spectacular natural setting before heading back to the bright lights of Brisbane.

Emma Collier, 25, from Birmingham is studying for a diploma at Charlton Brown College in Brisbane

“Charlton Brown provides a great working environment and during my studies I was given positive support to work on my assignments. The resource library at Charlton Brown is exceptional and helped me undertake research for my assignments.

“In the last three years, I completed my Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, fell in love, got married and now have a beautiful baby boy.”

Why the Gold Coast has the most

Sometimes referred to as the ‘coast with the most’, the Gold Coast offers a glittering lifestyle with stunning beaches, sun-kissed locals, and an abundance of action-packed activities along with sophisticated restaurants, cafés and bars, and first-class shopping. Located 80 kilometres south east of Brisbane, this region extends to the New South Wales border and has a steadily growing population of 500,000 people. It is blessed with a sub-tropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. There are many restaurants, more than 40 golf courses, and world-class sporting and educational facilities as well as an exciting events calendar of sport, music, art and fine food. In fact, the Gold Coast has a growing reputation as one of Australia’s events capitals, so you won’t have to venture far to quench your appetite for entertainment.

The Gold Coast is also a melting pot of cultures with close to a quarter of its residents born overseas. This provides a safe and accepting environment where people have an appreciation for various cultures.

Not surprisingly, this region has been identified as one of the most desirable places in the world to live, ranked highly for its political, social, economic and environmental factors.

The Gold Coast is home to some of the best beaches Australia has to offer. Here, you will find the internationally renowned surf and shopping strips of Surfers Paradise. As the name suggests, this area is a haven for surfers of all levels and abilities, and has also produced its fair share of world champion surfers.

Heading west, you can be in the hinterland region of the Gold Coast in as little as half an hour. Graced with spectacular World Heritage listed rainforest and crystal-clear rock pools, this lush green area offers a refreshing change of pace.

Andy Davis left the UK to study for an Automative Certificate III at the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (GCIT)

“I chose to study at Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (GCIT) because of the reputable name that the Institute has established for itself in the international market.

“While I was researching my study options, I had often heard GCIT spoken of very highly. With this in mind, and the beautiful location of the Gold Coast, I knew that GCIT was the right choice for me.”

DID YOU KNOW…?

The Gold Coast is home to the largest professional lifeguard service in Australia, which is a good thing when you consider the many kilometres of long stretches of white sand and beautiful beaches here. When you are heading for the surf, just remember to swim between the flags where the lifeguards can keep an eye on you!

Out of the water, the Gold Coast also boasts the largest concentration of themed attractions in the Southern Hemisphere. Take your pick of the theme parks – Sea World, Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water Park – for some serious thrills and spills.

Study in the Queensland tropics

Enjoying more than 200 days of sunshine a year, Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland, a haven of relaxed, balmy nights and friendly, easy-going locals. It also happens to be the launching pad to the greatest aquatic wonder in the world – the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is located on Queensland’s North East coast, almost 1,700 kilometres north of Brisbane. It is a colourful and modern city set amid a tropical paradise. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, making it a perfect destination to live and study. Being a tropical region, there is an average of 150 wet days a year. But we’re not talking drizzly, cold, grey days – here, the water breathes life into the magnificent rainforests for which the area is renowned.

Average annual temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C to a maximum of 33°C, so you can safely leave your heavy overcoats at home.

On those lovely, refreshing wet days, you can always take a break from the beautiful outdoors and head in to the myriad of restaurants, cafés, galleries and world class boutiques.

While it might be hard to look past the breathtaking natural attractions, it would be remiss not to notice that Cairns and the Tropical North also offer some of the world’s best international study programs.

With campuses at both Cairns and Townsville, James Cook University is ranked in the top five per cent of the world’s universities. The North also boasts outstanding vocational institutions, including Tropical North Queensland TAFE, which offers a range of programs, including business, horticulture, tourism, hospitality and information technology.

Dino Buonaguidi, 30, from London, is studying at Tropical North Queensland TAFE in Cairns

“I love living near the sea and I try to make sure I am making the most of it all. I have had friends come out and visit me here and they all think I lead a holiday lifestyle, which it is in a way I suppose.

“Work is still a big part of life but you get to enjoy yourself more here and make more of your time off. I enjoy the study here – it’s pretty easy going and there’s plenty of work for me here when I’m finished.”

The Sunshine Coast’s bright outlook

The Sunshine Coast, in South East Queensland, is home to so much more than glorious rays from the sun. While it has more than its fair share of bright sunny days, along with that also comes a relaxed lifestyle that revolves around the great outdoors. Summer temperatures average around 28°C and the winter months are mild, with average temperatures of around 20°C. Water lovers are well looked after, with sea temperatures ranging from 19°C in winter to 26°C in summer, making it perfect for swimming all year-round. So don’t be surprised to find locals taking an early morning dip before work, even in the middle of winter.

Just like its weather, the Sunshine Coast is easy-going. It offers a laid-back lifestyle in a small and safe environment, yet it is only an hour north of the city of Brisbane, and is easily accessible to the rest of the country by road, rail and air.

It may be free of the hustle and bustle of the city, but the Sunshine Coast is home to plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops, a vibrant nightlife, more sporting facilities than you can poke a cricket bat at and excellent educational institutions.

And, if you need a break from the sun, sand and surf, you can always head inland. The Sunshine Coast is home to a vast number of unspoiled national parks and a lush, green hinterland area – perfect for weekend sojourns. This region is also famous for its fresh produce. Take your pick from a number of weekly food markets.

Here, it is easy to live well, and the good news is that you don’t have to go there just for a holiday. The beautiful Sunshine Coast is an ideal spot to base yourself and further your education.

Esther Green, 34, from London, is studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland

“I chose the Sunshine Coast because the size of it really appealed to me. I had lived in London before and I didn’t want the hustle and bustle. The Sunshine Coast is much smaller and more personal.

“I have made some fantastic friends at university and found the staff here incredibly helpful. The lecturers really make themselves available to you, which makes it all easier.”

Claire Lunny, from Leicestershire, is studying hair and beauty at Sunshine Coast TAFE

“I chose Sunshine Coast TAFE to study hair and beauty because I wanted to try something completely new. As part of my training, I spend three days per week in the training salon while another day each week is spent working at a privately owned hairdressing business. The good thing about my training is that as the mother of five girls I stand to save a fortune on hairdressing in the long run.

“The Sunshine Coast is just wonderful because the weather is gorgeous and the people are so friendly. We never had any problems adjusting to the lifestyle.”

The diverse city of Rockhampton

Rockhampton, or ‘Rocky’ as it is aff ectionately known, is situated on the Tropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland. Sitting on the banks of the beautiful Fitzroy River, it is steeped in country charm and is referred to as ‘The Beef Capital of Australia’, so you will find there is no shortage of prime cuts here!

This region has an exciting history built on the wealth of gold rushes and cattle empires. Today, Rockhampton is a thriving city, offering an impressive range of sporting, cultural and educational facilities, with affordable housing and strong communities, but without the big-city stresses, as Professor Robert Reed, a lecturer at the University of Central Queensland, discovered for himself…

“My wife and I had been living in Newcastle before we moved to Rockhampton about two years ago,” Professor Reed says. “Here, it is a lot smaller and the pace is slower. It’s nice dropping back a gear, and the size of Rockhampton means people get to know each other pretty quickly.

“The city itself is really beautiful. It’s got a nice mix of heritage and history, and it has a good location – you have easy access to the coast, as well as beautiful forests and the outback.” It is also a region that appreciates the arts, and is the birthplace of many fine artists, performers and musicians. You can find many theatres and art galleries in Rockhampton.

Professor Robert Reed is a lecturer at the University of Central Queensland in Rockhampton

“I came here to do research on sunshine and the effects it has on micro organisms – something you can’t really do in the UK as there is just not enough sunshine!

“The climate is wonderful and the people are more friendly and outgoing than in the UK. There seems to be more career opportunities here than in the UK at the moment.”

And then there are the booming industries of mining and cattle. But while you might be more likely to be riding a bull than a surfboard here, the city is only a stone’s throw to some of Australia’s best beaches.

In less than 30 minutes you can be in the ocean, splashing off the dust. Alternatively, you can head west into the outback. Think quiet fishing holes, and long stretches of sunburnt country…

DID YOU KNOW…?

Hervey Bay, which is located on the Sunshine Coast, is Australia’s whale-watching capital. Between July and November, giant Humpback whales and their calves can be seen breaching and playing in the warm waters off shore. Just off the coast is World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. This stunning island is home to pristine, ancient rainforests, crystal-clear lakes and rock-pools, and amazing coloured sand formations, and is perfect for a weekend escape when you need a break from studying.

Thriving Toowoomba

Just 90 minutes west of Brisbane, Toowoomba is a modern mountain city, boasting beautiful heritage buildings and a range of education options for international students across all sectors.

Magnificent trees and more than 150 perfectly manicured gardens and parks are why Toowoomba has come to be known as Queensland’s Garden City. The grass is certainly greener on the other side here!

Toowoomba is a treasure trove of tradition and culture, with a burgeoning arts and culinary scene, and a blossoming wine industry. It is Australia’s largest inland regional city and is the commercial economic hub of the region.

Meeting The Challenge

Students at the University of New South Wales have the opportunity to participate in ground-breaking research…

Just how much smaller can computers and electronic devices go? A team of physicists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney has solved a major part of the puzzle with the creation of the world’s narrowest conducting wire, leading to a research partnership with IBM.

The breakthrough silicon wire, a few atoms wide, promises significantly faster, smaller and more powerful computers and electronic equipment just when the global micro-electronics industry feared it was hitting a brick wall.

After three decades of continual miniaturisation, with the number of components packed onto a silicon chip doubling every 18 months in a phenomenon known as Moore’s Law, there has been much speculation that the key components of technology can’t go any smaller, and still function. UNSW’s wire has proved they can.

The atomic scale wires are the work of the UNSW-led Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Technology, an international multi-university/government collaboration researching the fundamental physics and technology of building a quantum computer in silicon. The work is of such international signifi cance that it has attracted funding from key US government agencies, as well as from global giants like IBM.

The Centre for Quantum Computer Technology is part of UNSW’s innovation agenda.

The Australian Government has recognised that innovation is the key to future productivity and competitiveness, and UNSW’s growing range of specialist research centres are taking on the complex technological, social and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

For students, ranging from coursework undergraduates to post-doctoral researchers, the innovation agenda is enhancing their learning experience.

RESEARCH EXPOSURE

UNSW’s current strategic plan emphasises a “learning and teaching environment that provides an outstanding student experience, with exposure to research, and a vibrant campus life” and “provide international opportunities for students as global citizens.”

Recently opened UNSW centres in the science and engineering fields include the Climate Change Research Centre – officially launched by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

As one of the largest multi-disciplinary research groups of its kind in Australia, it has an unprecedented capacity to contribute to the climate change debate and policy outcomes at a global level.

The new Centre for Energy Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) is one of the fi rst Australian institutes to cover all aspects of energy research; from cleaner coal, to renewable energy and the carbon trading markets and policies which will determine the world’s future energy mix.

CERPA, backed by over A$25 million annual funding, aims to develop multiple solutions to the acute global challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as demand for energy rises.

The new Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology brings together researchers from the Faculties of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment to work with industry on the development of innovative, sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

Recent successes include a cleaner “green steel” manufacturing process, already commercialized in Australia and the US.

CAMPUS INVESTMENT

To support innovation at UNSW, a major A$700 million campus re-development is underway, a program recently described by UNSW Vice Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer, as “one of the most significant building programs in the history of the university.” This campus transformation includes a new Engineering Precinct, with Phase 1 a new Energy Technologies Building which will showcase carbon neutral design and support energy research, including UNSW’s world-leading solar energy program.

UNSW plays an infl uential role in shaping the next generation of engineers, with half of all Australian engineering post-graduates, for example, studying at UNSW, and the Faculty regularly achieving high rankings nationally and internationally.

For students, accommodation on campus is increasing with a new high quality residence opening earlier this year.

Study space is also being dramatically expanded; and the library refurbishment has already created 900 new study spaces and 20 group study rooms.

Multicultural Adelaide

The South Australian capital is Australia’s fastest growing destination for international students, offering a selection of world-class universities…

If you head north you’ll think you’re in Munich, and if you visit the city’s suburbs you imagine you’re in Athens, Milan, Beijing or Mumbai such is the multicultural atmosphere. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, and with a population of about 1.2 million it’s Australia’s fifth-largest city. It also happens to be Australia’s fastest growing destination for international students.

The city is home to Australia’s only foreign universities – Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz Campus and University College London’s School of Energy and Resources. The city also has three Australian universities delivering world-class education with a range of graduate and postgraduate courses.

Adelaide is also one of the most affordable cities in Australia. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual World Wide Cost of Living Survey, Adelaide regularly achieves an excellent ranking.

Results from the survey show that it costs 24 per cent more to live in Sydney, 21 per cent more to live in Melbourne, 12 per cent more to live in Perth and 8 per cent more to live in Brisbane.

LIVE AND LEARN

British couple Becky Hirst and Daniel Procter came to Adelaide while travelling around Australia a few years ago. “On that occasion, we were here only for a weekend but that involved a day at the cricket and a night in the Barossa Valley drinking some great wine so we knew it was our kind of place,” says Becky.

“When Dan and I returned to the UK we realised we wanted to live back in Adelaide. There was no looking back.”

While Becky says images of long sandy beaches and beautiful people sipping wine or beer near the water are commonplace in many Australian advertising campaigns, it’s a reality.

“South Australia has provided the perfect place for me to set my consultancy business up – I’d have been very unlikely to do this in London as I was too much of a small fish in a huge ocean.”

Forty miles of the finest white beaches, hundreds of festivals, 300 days of sunshine a year, rolling hills, vineyards, gold mines, salt lakes, ancient mountain ranges, and the mighty outback deserts all make South Australia an experience to savour.

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL

It may not have the stress, hustle and bustle of the larger cities, but Adelaide has over-delivered on the expectations James Warner had when he first left his home in Kent to begin studying abroad.

“From the moment I first attended UniSA (University of South Australia), I began to realise that I had the ability to surprise myself,” recalls James, who completed a Bachelor of Arts degree.

“The staff were brilliant and helped me to achieve my goals. They are extremely knowledgeable and willing to give up their time to answer any questions or problems you have. A lot of universities, especially those in the UK, don’t have the time to speak to students individually.

“My study in Adelaide has now laid a huge foundation from which I have continually developed my knowledge and also my future goals.”

James gained entry to UniSA through SAIBT, a pathway institute where he studied a Diploma program granting him entry into the second year at UniSA, and found it an easy transition.

His three and half years of study in Adelaide culminated with a Bachelor of Arts (Communication and Media Management) from UniSA in 2009.

Aside from the obvious – warmer weather and longer days – James has found Adelaide offers a list of distinct advantages for UK students.

“It is cheaper living compared to the other Australian states, which is a real bonus. It’s very relaxed and the people are welcoming, with a range of cultures all bringing something different into the city. And there are plenty of sports on offer – I’ve been playing rugby and soccer since I arrived.’

For others considering university study, James has a few tips. “Try not to be concerned about the fact that Adelaide is situated across the other side of the world, because it has a homely feel and offers fantastic options for you to study what you want.”

ADELAIDE’S TOP PLACES TO STUDY

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

Australia’s third oldest university is one of the finest in the world. The University of Adelaide is small enough to provide personal interaction with elite teaching staff, but large enough to offer a broad range of programs and outstanding opportunities for research. It consistently ranks among the most research-intensive universities in the Asia-Pacific region.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is an innovative, outward looking university with a vibrant student community from all over the world. UniSA offers the most diverse education in South Australia. The university has the largest number of international students in South Australia.

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY

Noted for world-class research, science and student satisfaction. The university’s teachers regularly win awards for excellence, including the 2004 and 2006 Prime Minister’s Award for University Teaching. Graduates have a higher fulltime employment rate than the national average.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

Ranked fourth in the world, University College London has arrived in Adelaide. Its School of Energy and Resources provides unique international education opportunities to those who wish to work in mining, energy and business sectors. The UCL School of Energy and Resources has a program offering that is industry focused across three streams:

Executive Education – a portfolio of short courses designed for those who work directly in, or provide services to, the energy and resources industries;

Master of Science (MSc) in Energy and Resources: Policy and Practice – a two-year fulltime course providing a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary theory and practice in energy and natural resource management, and the economic and legal context. The course includes a nine-month industry placement;

PhD Research – for research leadership in the energy and natural resources sectors

TAFE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Renowned for helping more than a million students over the past decade, research shows that 91 per cent of graduates either go on to university or find a job once they have completed their qualification here – that’s a higher rate than any other state in Australia.

Studying Down Under

More British students than ever are looking to combine living the famous Antipodean lifestyle with getting a good qualification

Trips to Australia and New Zealand aren’t just about holidays, gap years and migration. Over recent years, more and more people have been going Down Under to study. The numbers of British and Irish students travelling to Australasia for study for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at university, or vocational or specialist training courses at college, is growing steadily year by year.

The first question from those not familiar with Antipodean education is usually, “But what can I study there?” The short answer to that is: pretty much anything you can study in the UK.

Students go to Australia and New Zealand to take up places on a huge variety of courses, from degrees in marine biology, teaching, management or environmental science to diplomas in beauty therapy, veterinary nursing, wine-making or a trade.

REASONS FOR GOING

So why do people go all the way to the other side of the world to do a course that might be available in their home town?

There’s a variety of reasons. For many, particularly the younger students, it’s the experience that’s the draw. They want to combine living the famous Antipodean lifestyle with getting a good qualification. This was what motivated Christopher, 19, who’s about to start the second year of his degree in finance in Sydney.

“Lots of my friends were planning to spend their gap years in Australia. I wanted to travel, but I also wanted to get on and do my degree rather than spending a year doing bar work or picking fruit.” He’s found that his Australian student life gives him the perfect combination: “This means I get to live in another country for three years and travel as much as I want during the holidays – perfect!”

Others are already thinking ahead to how their experience will help them in the job market in future. “Everyone seems to do further qualifications after school these days, but I wanted to do something different,” says Emma, who is due to start a degree in event management in a few weeks’ time. “I think by studying overseas I’ll show people that I’ve got lots of initiative and am not afraid to take on a challenge. It’ll definitely be something different on my CV.”

For others, it’s the reputations of the courses and the institutions that appeal. Both Australia and New Zealand have world-class education systems, and their qualifications are internationally recognised and highly regarded by employers.

They also offer students the chance to gain a place on courses that are oversubscribed in the UK, such as physiotherapy, history, veterinary science, veterinary nursing, marine science and teacher training. Entry requirements are just as rigorous, but there aren’t so many people chasing so few places, so students can stand a higher chance of getting in.

As both Australia and New Zealand’s education systems are based on the British system, many aspects will seem very familiar to students from the UK and Ireland. The similarities mean that UK students can apply to undergraduate courses with their A-Levels, without having to sit extra exams, and postgraduate students can apply using their UK Bachelors degrees. Colleges (and some of the universities) are happy to consider applications from students with alternative academic backgrounds, such as BTEC National Diplomas.

The similarities don’t end with entry requirements. The look of university and college campuses are much the same, and student life revolves around the same things too – social clubs, sports clubs and nightlife – just in better weather!

Qualifications take the same number of years to complete and are taught in much the same way as they would be in the UK, by a combination of lectures, seminars, coursework and exams, with practical teaching where required.

THE NEXT STEP

In order to go to Australia or New Zealand to study you will need a student visa. There are no age restrictions on student visas. You simply have to have an offer of study from a recognised education provider (such as a university or college) in Australian or NZ.

A study visa is given for the length of the course, and will also usually allow people a few months before it starts and after it finishes to travel around. If the course is more than 12 months long (Australia) or 24 months long (New Zealand) you can also get a variation on the conditions of your visa, which will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and as much as you like during holidays.

The biggest consideration to studying abroad, however, is the cost. As international students, Brits and Irish are liable to pay full international tuition fees. These are individually set by the institutions so do vary hugely depending on what you want to study and where you want to study it, but generally an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree will cost from around £8,000 upward per year; while a diploma course will cost around £6,000 per year.

While there are some scholarships available at postgraduate research level, pretty much everyone else will need to fund their study themselves, and you can’t apply for a student loan Down Under unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen.

While tuition fees may be higher, the cost of living is often lower. Australian Immigration recommend that international students should have A$18,000 (£10,000) per year for living expenses but rent for a room in a house in the smaller cities (such as Perth and Adelaide) can start from around £65 per week.

In New Zealand the cost of living tends to be lower – at Otago University in Dunedin, fees to live in a fully-catered hall of residence (meals and utilities included) start from just £110 per week. Many regard the cost as worth it.

David is due to sit his A-Levels in June 2010, and is determined to study at an Australian university after that. “It was a big decision to make, not least because of the amount of money involved,” he says. “But I’d be paying well over £3,000 per year if I went to university in the UK. I’ve tried to consider everything – the university reputations, the content of the course, the overall experience – and Australia just seems to look like overall better value for money to me!”

So, can doing a qualification in Australia or New Zealand allow you to stay in the country on a more permanent basis after you finish your studies?

There is no easy answer to this one, as it depends on what course you study, and where you study it. Anyone who is interested in applying for a permanent visa after completing their studies should check the Department of Immigration website for each country (www.immi.gov.au; www.immigration.govt.nz)

EXPERT ADVICE FOR STUDYING DOWN UNDER

Study Options is a free, independent, expert service for people looking to study in Australia and New Zealand. It is the official representative of Australian and New Zealand universities and colleges in the UK and Ireland, and can help to make sure that your application process is straightforward and stress-free. Study Options is the only organisation in the UK that focuses solely on Australian and New Zealand education and can help with every stage of the process, from providing information about courses available, the details you need about the universities and colleges that offer them, and practical information about how to put together and submit your application to study in Australia and New Zealand.
Study Options: 159-161 Temple Chambers, 3-7 Temple Avenue London, EC4Y 0DA; Tel: 020 7353 7200; Web: www.studyoptions.com